The 10 Most Powerful Militaries in the World 2019

Which country has the strongest army in the world? The folks at Global Firepower ranks the most powerful militaries in the world. Ranking based on multiple factors, including each country’s military budget, number of aircraft carriers, available manpower and labor force.

These are the top 10 most powerful militaries in the world in 2019:

10. Germany

Germany has become a leader in European politics while also commanding its strongest economy. The country has long been the most powerful nation in the world. Listed below is the current military capabilities and available firepower for the nation of Germany.

Power Index rating: 0.2097

Total population: 80,457,737

Total military personnel: 208,641

Aircraft strength: 613

Fighter aircraft: 122

Combat tanks: 900

Total naval assets: 81

Defense budget: $49.1 billion

9. Turkey

Turkey joins China and India in attempting to become a large scale military supplier through several high profile ongoing development programs. The most powerful Muslim country in the world, Turkey has the 9th most powerful military. Current military capabilities and available firepower for the nation of Turkey.

Power Index rating: 0.2089

Total population: 81,257,239

Total military personnel: 735,000

Aircraft strength: 1,067

Fighter aircraft: 207

Combat tanks: 3,200

Total naval assets: 194

Defense budget: $8.6 billion

8. The United Kingdom

Despite its size, the United Kingdom maintains one of the strongest economies and fighting forces anywhere in the world. The UK has the most capable foreign intelligence agencies as well as best elite special forces in the world. It also has one of the best navies in the world. Current military capabilities and available firepower for the nation of United Kingdom.

Power Index rating: 0.1797

Total population: 65,105,246

Total military personnel: 233,000

Aircraft strength: 811

Fighter aircraft: 129

Combat tanks: 331

Total naval assets: 76; one aircraft carrier

Defense budget: $47.5 billion

7. South Korea

Listed below is the current military capabilities and available firepower for the nation of South Korea.

Power Index rating: 0.1761

Total population: 51,418,097

Total military personnel: 5,827,150

Aircraft strength: 1,614

Fighter aircraft: 406

Combat tanks: 2,654

Total naval assets: 166; one aircraft carrier

Defense budget: $38.3 billion

6. Japan

Japan is one of the most influential countries in the world. The country has the third-largest global economy, right behind the United States and China. In regard to military power, Japan has one of the largest military budgets and also has modern military weapon systems. A revised constitution and expanding military could see a more powerful Japan in the Asia-Pacific region by the end of the decade. Current military capabilities and available firepower for the nation of Japan.

Power Index rating: 0.1707

Total population: 126,128,156

Total military personnel: 303,157

Aircraft strength: 1,572

Fighter aircraft: 297

Combat tanks: 1,004

Total naval assets: 131; four aircraft carriers

Defense budget: $47 billion

5. France

France, not only the biggest player in the fashion industry but also strongest in case of army. It also has one of the largest economies in the world. France has been able to put its vast military resources to good use through actions in Syria, Libya, Mali, and against ISIS. See the current military capabilities and available firepower for the nation of France.

Power Index rating: 0.1584

Total population: 67,364,357

Total military personnel: 388,635

Aircraft strength: 1,248

Fighter aircraft: 273

Combat tanks: 406

Total naval assets: 118; four aircraft carriers

Defense budget: $40.5 billion

4. India

India is looking to advance beyond its title of top military importer to that of top military exporter. The second most populous nation in the world, India comes at No. 4 in case of military power. Listed below are the current military capabilities and available firepower for the nation of India.

Power Index rating: 0.1065

Total population: 1,296,834,042

Total military personnel: 3,462,500

Aircraft strength: 2,082

Fighter aircraft: 520

Combat tanks: 4,184

Total naval assets: 295; one aircraft carrier

Defense budget: $55.2 billion

3. China

The Chinese military-industrial complex continues to promote its technological gains while increasing its military strength through show-of-force initiatives. As for now, China has a very strong political influence in the world. It is the world’s most populous nation, but has the 3rd strongest army in the world. Checkout the current military capabilities and available firepower for the nation of China.

Power Index rating: 0.0673

Total population: 1,384,688,986

Total military personnel: 2,693,000

Aircraft strength: 3,187

Fighter aircraft: 1,222

Combat tanks: 13,050

Total naval assets: 714; one aircraft carrier

Defense budget: $224 billion

2. Russia

Led by President Vladimir Putin, Russia has one of the most powerful militaries in the world. A massive modernization and procurement program, as well as military action against neighboring Ukraine, has reinstalled Russian prominence in the region. The largest country in the world by area, Russia has the best trained army in the world. Checkout the current military capabilities and available firepower for the nation of Russia.

Power Index rating: 0.0639

Total population: 142,122,776

Total military personnel: 3,586,128

Aircraft strength: 4,078

Fighter aircraft: 869

Combat tanks: 21,932

Total naval assets: 352; one aircraft carrier out of service indefinitely

Defense budget: $44 billion

1. United States

The United States is the world’s most powerful country. Also it has the most powerful military in the world. The US military possesses the most modernized and sophisticated military weapon systems. Despite its draw-downs across Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States military continues to see action in the Middle East against. Check out the current military capabilities and available firepower for the nation of United States. The strongest army in the world.

Power Index rating: 0.0615

Total population: 329,256,465

Total military personnel: 2,141,900

Aircraft: 13,398

Fighter aircraft: 2,362

Combat tanks: 6,287

Total naval assets: 415; 24 aircraft carriers

Defense budget: $716 billion

The Global Firepower ranked the world’s most powerful countries in term of army strength. They examined the defense forces of 137 countries in order to compile the rankings, taking into account manpower, land systems, air power, naval power, resources, logistics, finances and geography covered. (click to see military assets data for each country).

They measure 50 different stats about a country – including each country’s military budget, number of aircraft carriers, available manpower and labor force, to produce a Power Index, in which lower numbers equal more firepower. The index doesn’t take into account Nuclear capabilities; They are not included in the calculation. Also, it doesn’t penalize landlocked nations for lack of a standing navy.

World’s 6th biggest military, Pakistan army is not in the top 10. It stands on 15th place amongst the most powerful armies. Anyway, check out the world’s top 10 most powerful militaries, with some accompanying stats. You may also like to see the list of top 10 countries with strongest armies.